Part 53 (1/2)
”Well, well, can I see one of the partners?”
”You can't see Mr. Sanderson, because he's having his lunch,” said the boy. ”Mr. Thorpe hasn't come back from lunch yet, Mr. Peters has just gone out to lunch, Mr. Williams is expected back from lunch every minute, Mr. Gourlay went out to lunch an hour ago, Mr. Beamish----”
”Tut, tut, isn't anybody in?”
”Mr. Blunt is in,” said the boy, and took up the telephone. ”If you wait a moment I'll see if he's awake.”
Half an hour later Mr. Masters was shown into John Blunt's room.
”I'm sorry I was engaged,” said John. ”A most important client. Now what can I do for you, Mr.--er--Masters?”
”I wish to make my will.”
”By all means,” said John cordially.
”I have only one child, to whom I intend to leave all my money.”
”Ha!” said John, with a frown. ”This will be a lengthy and difficult business.”
”But you can do it?” asked Mr. Masters anxiously. ”They told me at the hairdresser's that Macnaughton, Macnaughton, Macnaughton, Macnaughton & Macnaughton was the cleverest firm in London.”
”We can do it,” said John simply, ”but it will require all our care; and I think it would be best if I were to come and stay with you for the weekend. We could go into it properly then.”
”Thank you,” said Mr. Masters, clasping the other's hand. ”I was just going to suggest it. My motor-car is outside. Let us go at once.”
”I will follow you in a moment,” said John, and, pausing only to s.n.a.t.c.h a handful of money from the safe for incidental expenses and to tell the boy that he would be back on Monday, he picked up the well-filled week-end bag which he always kept ready, and hurried after the other.
Inside the car Mr. Masters was confidential.
”My daughter,” he said, ”comes of age to-morrow.”
”Oh, it's a daughter?” said John in surprise. ”Is she pretty?”
”She is considered to be the prettiest girl in the county.”
”Really?” said John. He thought a moment, and added, ”Can we stop at a post-office? I must send an important business telegram.” He took out a form and wrote ”Macmacmacmacmac, London. Shall not be back till Wednesday. Blunt.”
The car stopped and then sped on again.
”Amy has never been any trouble to me,” said Mr. Masters, ”but I am getting old now, and I would give a thousand pounds to see her happily married.”
”To whom would you give it?” asked John, whipping out his pocket-book.
”Tut, tut, a mere figure of speech. But I would settle a hundred thousand pounds on her on the wedding-day.”
”Indeed?” said John thoughtfully. ”Can we stop at another post-office?”
he added, bringing out his fountain-pen again.